Pernem: Fearing acute water scarcity, Bailpar Kasarwane villagers have strongly objected to the pump house project which is coming up on the river bank.
From last four months, the work of setting up the pump house is going on. Villagers claim that this project will adversely affect the water supply of entire Pernem taluka since water will be diverted for commercial projects, including the Mopa Airport.
Casarvane villagers, especially farmers are battling against this particular project undertaken by WRD on the banks of Bailpar river in Casarvane. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 26 crore.
Villagers, especially farmers from this locality are having a tough time in stopping the work which is being carried out allegedly without obtaining permissions from the local panchayat. The work is going on even after the local panchayat issued ‘stop work’ order.
Villagers informed that through this pump house, WRD will pump out water and release it in Tilary canal. According to sources, out of the total water pumped, 5MLD will go for Mopa airport, 15 MLD will be taken to Chandel water treatment while 30 MLD for Tuem treatment plant.
“Even after issuing stop work notice, the project is on unabated. There won’t be enough water left for the farmers to cultivate their lands once water gets pumped out from here. I think the concerned department has not studied the project since work on dam is going on at Kalne. Once this project is complete, how our river is going to get enough flow is a big question,” a local said.
“Farmers will suffer since the water which is actually conserved for agriculture purpose will be diverted to industry and private projects like a five star hotel, casino and other such big real estate projects,” villagers said.
“Biodiversity is being destroyed. If work of the project is not stopped, then we will have to suffer acute water crisis. Our fields will go dry,” villagers said.
Environmentalist Abhijit Prabhudesai, who had visited the site, said that the project was completely illegal. “We want to tell the people of Pernem that the way the government is having projects here, we won’t be left with water especially after this project at Bailpar is completed. This project is for the builder lobby and not for the locals,” he said.
Prabhudesai further said that this project at Bailpar was completely illegal since the department hadn’t obtained any permission.
Meanwhile the Mopa Vimantal Panchkroshi Pidit Jan Sanghatana, a forum that is fighting for the rights of the farmers, had given 24 hours ultimatum to Pernem police to stop the ongoing work of pump house. But no action has been taken yet.
A delegation headed by president Bharat Bagkar and Convener Uday Mahale have submitted memorandum to Pernem police and Superintendent of Police, North requesting their intervention to stop the work, failing which the forum will launch agitation.
They informed that the project will deplete the water table and will cause serious environmental issues.
